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Aberdeen set to showcase its tech investment at IMEX Frankfurt

Aberdeen is set to showcase the city’s investment in digital infrastructure at the global event industry conference IMEX Frankfurt next week.

The North East city is gearing up to present its technological offering to leading players in the international meetings market at the key trade event – which is making technology one of its main themes this year.

Aberdeen, which will unveil its new 12,500-capacity AECC venue in 2019, has invested significantly in boosting its physical broadband and wi-fi networks in recent years – turning into ‘Scotland’s first gigabyte city’ with super-fast connectivity.

Jenni Fraser, business development director at destination management organisation VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The technology theme highlights the importance of leading rather than following technological trends. One of the key attractions for event planners when they are looking at Aberdeen as a possible location, is our ability to facilitate events in unique venues. Delegates want to experience the grandeur of our heritage, but want the convenience of the 21st century, with access to all the technology you would expect from a modern conference venue.

She added: “Aberdeen is leading the way in the implementation of technology in the UK conference market, and has heavily invested in its connectivity and digital infrastructure, making it Scotland’s first gigabyte city. This advancement allows conference and event organisers to create a better-connected and user friendly delegate experience.”

She said: “Event planners are integrating technology at the heart of their events, from mobile meeting booking systems, to interactive maps. This is why it is important that we have the technological infrastructure to facilitate thousands of delegates through a robust and reliable wireless network within Aberdeen and at our event venues. While the ongoing investment in the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, which is due to open in 2019, further demonstrates the region’s commitment to hosting world class events.

“There has never been a better time for us to attract the global business tourism industry to the Aberdeen region. We’re easy to get to and have a world class product, thanks to the quality and diversity of our venues, and excellent route connectivity to international hub airports in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt.”

The IMEX event brings 9,000 global meeting, events and incentive travel programme professionals together, which include associations, hotel chains and airlines, and allows the business tourism industry to plan and book events.

Carina Bauer, chief executive officer of the IMEX Group, said: “So many of the benefits that technology can bring to our industry are still untapped potential. Technology is one of the five key elements in creating purposeful meetings, our talking point for this year’s conference. It is vital to the advancement of the meetings industry that we support this wholeheartedly.”